The Grizzlies have received permission to interview Bulls assistant Ed Pinckney for their head coaching vacancy, league sources told CBSSports.com.

Pinckney, a former Big East star and assistant coach at Villanova, has impressed the Memphis front office with the work he's done in Chicago under defensive mastermind Tom Thibodeau. Pinckney, 50, also spent two seasons as an assistant coach for the Timberwolves.

The Grizzlies have spoken with former Nuggets coach George Karl and former Suns coach Alvin Gentry on the phone and plan to have them in for interviews in the next few days, sources said. The team also will interview assistant coach Dave Joerger. Pacers associate head coach Brian Shaw -- interviewing with the Nets on Wednesday -- is not on the Grizzlies' list. Shaw also is a top candidate for the Clippers' head coaching job.